So, you’re looking to invest in your first road bike. It can be tough to know how to buy your first bike; how much to spend or which features really matter. Do you really need a lightweight carbon frame if you never plan on racing? How important are those components, and what, exactly, do they do?

The first thing you should do is come up with a budget. What is the most you’re willing to spend? From there you can begin your search for your perfect ride. It can be tempting to stay on the low end of your budget, but when it come to bikes, you get what you pay for.

That being said, there are some great budget options from established road bike manufacturers. You want to find that perfect combination of comfortable geometry and fast design to keep you smiling as you put in the miles.

Here are 5 of the best entry level road bikes out there.

Specialized Allez E5 Sport

Price: $970

The perfect combination of fast and comfortable, the Specialized Allez E5 Sport brings you the best of both worlds. The stiff design is well thought out with attention to detail, and it’s sturdy handling will have you tackling those sketchy descents in no time.

The quality aluminum frame is accompanied by flawless component choices. With a full Shimano Sora drivetrain it makes for flawless shifting across a wide range cassette. The 28.2mm tire width easily soaks up the road and makes for a smooth and comfortable feel. Weighing in at 9.41kg, the Allez E5 tops the list for the most bang for your buck with plenty of room for you to grow as a cyclist.

Cannondale CAAD8 Sora 7

Price: $790

CAAD series has been constantly perfected over the past decade to bring you the Sora 7. This frame offers great acceleration with pinpoint accuracy on downhills, and the Head’s Up Race geometry has you a slightly more upright and comfortable position.

As much the frame nails down all important features, the components are left somewhat lacking. The FSA crank works of course, but is slow in comparison to the Shimano Sora, and the narrow 12-27t cassette can be limiting.

Trek Domane AL2

Price: $750

You can’t make a list of “top 5 bikes” and not include a Trek model. They are constantly pushing the boundaries in search of that sweet spot between racing-level efficiency and touring comfort. With the Domane series, they offer both men’s and women’s models for that perfect fit.

With a carbon fork on an aluminum frame, the AL2 quite literally combines the elements of the higher-end models with an affordable, simple frame geometry. The carbon fork offers a smooth ride over even uneven surfaces, making it the perfect for commuting or heading out for long rides in all weather conditions. With the Shimano Claris drivetrain, you’re guaranteed a smooth and responsive ride well under the $1000 mark.

Giant Contend 1

Price: $810

To sum up the Contend 1 in a word: balance. As mash-up between the previously popular TCR and Defy entry-level models, this bike gets the job done. An efficient climber and stable on descents, it may not have you feeling like an unstoppable mountain conqueror, but it will get you there safely and comfortably.

With an aluminum frame and those quality Shimano Sora components, you can be confident on any grade and those rougher surfaces. With more upright positioning, you’ll have a smooth ride whether on your daily commute or out for a long distance weekend ride.

Felt F95

Price: $790

If you’re a beginner cyclist, but have racing in your sights, then the Felt F95 may be your best option. As the most race-ready of the bunch, the F95 is the highly responsive with a stiff aluminum frame and a performance level carbon fork.

With a slightly more aggressive position, it’s great for charging up those hills and settling in for long distances, but can be somewhat uncomfortable for the less experienced rider. That being said, if you want to grow into your first bike, this one packs a whole lot of punch for the price point.